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SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX)–In a city where parking is one of the hottest commodities, construction crews are hogging street-side parking with temporary “No Parking” signs for weeks, months, and even as long a four years, forcing those who actually own homes here to walk several blocks just to get to their front door.

In one construction site found by KPIX 5 at 26th Avenue and California in the Richmond district, signs prohibit parking from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m., six days a week.

“It’s gotten very frustrating for a lot of us in the neighborhood,” said a neighbor who was worried about giving out his name for fear of creating a feud.

He wonders why construction crews get preference over residents, adding, “Beyond six months or a year it seems pretty ridiculous.”

Issuing of construction zone “No Parking” signs has increased by one third in the past two years. Last year, the city issued 3,000 of them. They cost crews about $150 to set up, plus a $35 per day fee, and they’re issued for just a month at a time, but can be renewed.

Paul Rose from San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency addressed the four-year-long parking spot squatters, saying, “That is something that could have been extended, and in this case it was approved but is something that we will look into and make adjustments if need be.”

Bottom line? Construction crews who have valid permits and pay in full get first dibs on the best parking.

SFMTA does look for violators, and does patrol these zones to make sure everything is paid up and approved.